Section:
02. Simulation and Validation
Chair:
Dr.-Ing. R. Rahmfeld, Sauer-Danfoss
Form of presentation:
oral
Duration:
90 Minutes
01:30 pm
Methods of Computational Fluid Dynamics for a CVT Transmission Lubrication System of Agricultural Tractor
Authors:
Pietro Marani | Imamoter-C.N.R. | Ferrara | IT
MD PhD Cristian Ferrari | Imamoter-C.N.R. | Ferrara | IT
Prof. Roberto Paoluzzi | Imamoter-C.N.R. | Ferrara | IT
Stefano Cantelli | CNH Product Development | Modena | IT
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In this paper, an optimization with computational fluid dynamics analysis of the lubrication circuit of a dual clutch gearbox is presented.
The study of the lubrication in gearboxes is an important issue in off-road machines design because reliability depends mostly from lubrication performance, as well as machine lifetime and overall energy efficiency of the transmission. Nevertheless the problem is very critical. The industrial approach on this matter is quite traditional and is still based on practice and on trial and error method (which involve several prototype adjustments and extensive physical tests).
On the other hand the lumped element models approach is not always effective, mainly because of the complexity of the geometry and of boundary conditions (i.e. rotating complex shape volumes, air inclusion, etc.).
A CFD approach is proposed here to characterize the flow field in the lubrication circuit. In order to accomplish the goal, some challenging issues were encountered such as the architectural complexity due to the large number of fluid paths and outlets, the critical meshing phase caused by the geometrical complexity and the difficult choice of numerical boundary in order to reflect at best the actual conditions of the physical behaviour.
In this paper an optimization method is outlined and different solutions were tested; finally a new configuration circuit, providing an optimum oil flow rate to each user was identified.
01:50 pm
Simulation Methods for Elastohydrodynamically Coupled Hydraulic Components
Authors:
Dr. Jochen Lang | IST Ingenieurgesellschaft für Strukturanalyse und Tribologie mbH | Aachen | DE
Prof. Gunter Knoll | IST Ingenieurgesellschaft für Strukturanalyse und Tribologie mbH | Aachen | DE
Ian Thornthwaite | Delphi Diesel Systems Ltd | Gillingham, Kent | GB
Celia Soteriou | Delphi Diesel Systems Ltd | Gillingham, Kent | GB
Christian Lensch-Franzen | APL Automobil-Prüftechnik Landau GmbH | Landau | DE
Morten Kronstedt | APL Automobil-Prüftechnik Landau GmbH | Landau | DE
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Transient simulation techniques are increasingly used for reduction of time- and cost intensive test rig and field studies to obtain reliable information about maximum loads and component life in an early stage of development.
At present, the focus lies on multi-body dynamic simulations of tribologically coupled hydraulic systems like plunger, roller shoe, crankshaft, distributor ring as well as circu-lar slider and spherical joints. The systems can be fuel or oil lubricated. These tribo-logical systems are characterized by local elastic running surfaces on both sides, pressure and temperature dependent viscosity and characteristic run-in contours, which are necessary for a bearable load distribution. Beside the minimal lubrication gaps and the maximum pressure the main tribological optimization targets are the re-duction of friction power loss and mixed lubrication areas.
The presented simulation software couples the sub problems hydrodynamics (with mixed lubrication and surface roughens effects), structural dynamics (with local iner-tia effects) and multi body dynamics. The coupling is realized in the time domain to include the non-linear spring- and damping characteristics of the lubricant film.
In this paper, the basics of the physical modelling as well as application examples in the field of hydraulic system analysis are presented.
02:10 pm
Longwall Mining Simulation
Authors:
Björn Scherweit | Caterpilar Global Mining | Lünen | DE
Product Manager Denis Lenoble | Famic Technologies Inc. | St-Laurent | CA
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Longwall Mining Simulation
Background
In underground mining technologies, mainly in coal mining, Longwall Systems are used. These consist of a row of shields and a conveyor in front. On the conveyor is the path of the cutting machine (shearer). The shearer has its own hydraulic system and is not to be part of this project. Shields are used to provide roof support and to push the conveyor while the shearer is working. The shields are driven by an electro-hydraulic system with a central pump station.
Each shield has several hydraulic functions which are controlled by its own PLC. The most important are shield lower, shield raise, pull shield and push conveyor. These functions allow to move the whole longwall system through the coal face.
A Long Wall System can contain of up to 250 shields which totalize a length of 400 m. Furthermore there is a hydraulic hose line system with up to several km of length. Choosing the appropriate system components and the proper master sequence of shield operation to encounter the client needs is a difficult and time consuming. The main objective is to accomplish a well positioning close loop between the Long Wall System of Shields face advance rate as close as possible to the shearer speed which varies because of coal hardness and other geological conditions. Up to the completion of the project the specification of pump capacity, required hose diameters and obtainable cycle time and the resulting face advance rate are based on relative simple pressure drop calculation.
Project
For this project Famic Technologies in cooperation with Caterpillar Global Mining developed a method to optimize these aspects. Applying this method results in Energy/Cost/Time saving since it increases mining productivity, speeds up prototyping of new systems and improves communication with the clients. The methodology relies on a simulation tool in which all components have been modelled according to their technical specifications. For this project Automation Studio from Famic Technologies with customized add-ons is used.
Proceeding
Once a single shield is modeled and simulated, the validation of its behavior is compared with lab measurements. Later the designers in this stage of the project are able to test different valve options to fit the shield performance according customer request.
The next stage is the main objectives of this project. With the full modelled hydraulic circuit a simplified shield circuit is then produced by controlling each steady state actuation by variable orifice controlled by the shield sequence itself. With the new developed tool the whole Longwall system is built automatically with as many shields as the mine needs. Pumps, filters and supply lines can also be added.
With the results of the simulation the engineering team will then be able to optimize pump capacity, hydraulic line diameters and general system layouts to fit the requirements. This is mainly the shearer speed which the shields have to keep up with.
Another important aspect is to adjust the Long Wall Master Sequence which controls the parameters of each shield cycle. Various scenarios can be tested quickly, compared and analysed according based upon different criteria, e.g. flow demand, pressure drop, face advance speed etc. This information can be used to optimize programming of the shield PLC.
Result
The aim is to have a powerful tool to simulate longwall systems and their dynamic behaviour especially with respect to more than 1000 hydraulic axis in the system. With the results of the simulation the system can be designed according to performance request but also economically advantageous even for the customer. The new tool gives the engineering team better results and more opportunities of optimizing future projects. The best solution can be chosen and reported to the client before any prototyping is started.
02:30 pm
3D-CFD simulation of an axial piston displacement unit
Authors:
Christian Schleihs | RWTH Aachen University, IFAS | Aachen | DE
Emmanuel Viennet | Liebherr Machines Bulle | Bulle | CH
Michael DEEKEN | Liebherr Machines Bulle SA | Bulle | CH
Hui Ding | Simerics Inc. | Huntsville, AL | US
Yanjun Xia | Simerics Inc. | Huntsville, AL | US
Samuel Lowry | Simerics Inc. | Huntsville, AL | US
Univ.-Prof. Dr.-Ing. Hubertus Murrenhoff | RWTH Aachen University, IFAS | Aachen | DE
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Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation has gained great importance for the design of hydraulic components and machinery. Since it is very difficult or currently not possible to measure certain values inside the machinery, simulation techniques and software have undergone a rapid development in the past years and are today widely used in research and development efforts.
Regarding hydraulic pumps and motors it is especially interesting to consider transient simulation in order to gain information about the dynamic flow inside the rotating machine. The complex geometry of certain parts of the machine, i.e. the valve plate or ports, requires the use of 3D simulation in order to account for more complex physical situations, which cannot always be modeled using 1D-simulation.
This paper deals with the transient dynamic simulation of a swash plate axial piston pump using the simulation software “PumpLinx®”. This special simulation environment is specialized to meet the requirements of hydraulic machinery. The software uses templates in order to define the different components and thus automatically defines the dynamic domains and interfaces in the pre-processor.
The simulative investigation presented here concentrates on the accurate representation of the cylinder pressure build up and the qualitative identification of cavitation critical areas. Optimization is then carried out in order to minimize these areas. The simulated pressure build up inside the cylinder is compared to 1D-simulation results and test bench measurements.
A key aspect of the simulation is set on the identification of cavitation critical areas inside the pump, especially concerning the commutation. Cavitation occurs when the local pressure drops beneath saturation pressure. In this case dissolved air is released and forms a gas bubble, which implodes rapidly in high pressure regions. If the pressure drops below the vapor pressure a vapor bubble is formed. Either cavitation form can be the cause of noise and cavitation erosion, the latter of which decreases the systems efficiency and ultimately leads to system failure. It is therefore important to analyze and identify the cavitation critical volumes and areas in order to optimize the pump design.
The cavitation model implemented in the simulation environment differentiates between non-condensable gas, vapor and oil. One great issue in cavitation simulation is the accuracy of parameters such as bubble radius, collapse factor, saturated vapor pressure and others. The investigation of these parameters is not subject of this paper and therefore standard values are used.
In conclusion the CFD-simulation of a swash plate axial piston pump is shown and validated. A special focus is placed on the prediction of cavitation critical areas and their optimization in order to obtain a quieter and more reliable hydraulic pump.